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Dealer General Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ken Garff Auto Group

General Manager

Indianola, IA · On-site

Southtown CDJR, a Ken Garff Automotive Dealership, is currently looking for a talented General Manager that aligns with our core values and acts with Respect, Integrity, Growth, Humility, and ...

Local Auto Dealer

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Automotive General Manager

Denver, CO · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Local Auto Dealership is accepting resumes to hire an automotive dealership experienced General Manager / GM for our dealership. We are seeking a manager who is motivated, high-energy, with a ...

Amera Trail

General Manager

Saint Cloud, FL · On-site

General Manager - Trailer Dealership (Sales, Parts & Service). Southeast Orlando. Full-Time. Leadership Role: Are you an experienced and driven leader ready to take the wheel of a fast-growing ...

Aston Martin San Diego

General Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

The General Manager assumes responsibility and is accountable for customer retention and the ... Hires, trains, motivates, directs, and monitors all dealership department managers and supervisory ...

Insight Global

General Manager

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Insight Global is partnering with a well-established automotive dealership group in the Los Angeles area to hire a General Manager for a Kia dealership in Santa Monica. This individual will take ...

Cardinale Group

General Manager

Marina, CA

We are a nationally recognized, multi-franchise dealership organization looking for an experienced Automotive General Manager that can lead through vision and values. The General Manager will be a ...

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How much do dealer general manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealer general manager in the United States is $65,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dealer General Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dealer General Manager, you need comprehensive knowledge of automotive sales, dealership operations, and business management, often supported by a bachelor's degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS), CRM platforms, and financial reporting tools is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and customer service skills help drive team performance and foster client relationships. These skills are crucial for achieving sales targets, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining profitability in a competitive automotive environment.

What are some common challenges Dealer General Managers face in balancing operational efficiency with customer satisfaction?

Dealer General Managers often find it challenging to maintain high levels of operational efficiency while also ensuring excellent customer satisfaction. This involves effectively managing sales, service, and parts departments, optimizing inventory, and overseeing staff performance, all while delivering a seamless customer experience. Balancing these priorities requires strong leadership, data-driven decision-making, and a customer-focused culture. GMs typically work closely with department heads to align goals and implement best practices that address both operational targets and customer needs.

What is a Dealer General Manager?

A Dealer General Manager is the top executive responsible for overseeing all operations at an automotive dealership. This includes managing sales, service, parts, and finance departments to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction. They set goals, create business strategies, hire and train staff, and ensure compliance with manufacturer and regulatory standards. Dealer General Managers play a critical role in maintaining relationships with customers and manufacturers while driving the overall success of the dealership.

What is the difference between Dealer General Manager vs Sales Manager?

AspectDealer General ManagerSales Manager
CredentialsExperience in automotive sales, management certificationsSales experience, leadership skills, industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentOversees entire dealership operationsFocuses on sales team and customer acquisition
Industry UsageUsed across automotive dealershipsCommonly found in sales departments of dealerships

The Dealer General Manager oversees all dealership functions, including sales, service, and operations, while the Sales Manager concentrates specifically on managing the sales team and driving vehicle sales. Both roles require industry knowledge and leadership skills, but the Dealer General Manager has broader responsibilities across the entire dealership.

More about Dealer General Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Dealer General Manager jobs? Cities with the most Dealer General Manager job openings:
What states have the most Dealer General Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Dealer General Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dealer General Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dealer General Manager jobs are:
Dealer General Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dealer General Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 49% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 33% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,026 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

General Manager

Ken Garff Auto Group

Indianola, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 hours ago

Ken Garff Automotive Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 138 rated car dealerships

Job description

Southtown CDJR, a Ken Garff Automotive Dealership, is currently looking for a talented General Manager that aligns with our core values and acts with Respect, Integrity, Growth, Humility, and Teamwork.
The General Manager (GM) oversees all aspects of dealership operations on behalf of the Ken Garff Automotive Group. The GM collaborates with the Regional Vice President, the Regional Support Team and the Ken Garff Corporate Team in executing company strategy and attaining company and dealership goals at the dealership level.
Here's what you'll be doing:
  • Oversee and lead all culture related meetings in the dealership
  • Drive the process of continuous analysis, goal setting and immediate actions at the Dealership level required to attain business goals
  • Manage Garff Management Meetings and Routines as means for employee communication, development, teamwork, goal setting and accountability
  • Drive and manage actions to improve employee productivity, tenure and engagement.
  • Leverage Company recruiting and development strategies to oversee the employee experience, including recruiting, onboarding, development, and career planning, aimed at attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry.
  • Review all new hires and sign off on all employee compensation plans consistent with Garff standards
  • Develop and mentor Department heads and all employees into effective brand-based leaders in their respective jobs.
  • Oversee management of Loss Prevention at Dealership level related to EHS, OSHA, Theft, Fraud, P&C, Compliance, Insurance Claim Mgt.
  • Maintain and grow vendor partnerships aligned with Company strategy and business goals and objectives
  • Develop and strengthen all relations with Manufacturer partners
  • Position the dealership to actively represent the Company in the community consistent with Brand and Culture
  • Ensure that the monthly financial statement is complete, accurate, and submitted on time to the factory
  • Oversee and assist in the resolution of customer complaints and CLOs in the dealership timely
  • Understand, keep abreast of, and comply with federal, state and local regulations that affect operations
  • Carry out management responsibilities in accordance with the Company's culture, policies and applicable laws, protecting the Legal Welfare of the Company

Here's what you'll need:
  • Minimum 2 years' experience as dealership General Manager or equivalent Management/Manufacturer experience
  • Strong knowledge of the automotive industry and fundamentals of project planning
  • Proven ability to lead departments and work across business units (cross functionally)
  • Self-Directed - proven ability to accomplish business goals and results
  • Strong demonstrated Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Brand Compatibility - understand, align and live the brand 24x7, with an emphasis on Company values
  • Perspective and Prioritization - possess a solid understanding of current reality vs. vision with ability to prioritize executional initiatives and actions to move the dealership forward towards vision in a timely manner
  • Leadership & Example Setting - the ability to motivate and engage dealership employees while modeling desired behaviors
  • Planning and Organizing - ability to create and communicate effective plans to achieve objectives through an organized structure and routine from the Dealership, Departments and Employees
  • Advanced and create problem solving skills
  • Teamwork - ability to work with and through others to effectively enhance results or processes
  • Strong Financial Acumen - the ability to understand and analyze dealership financial numbers, assess strengths and weaknesses, prioritize opportunities and define and communication improvement. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages
  • Proficient in the use of technology related to operations: Ignite Dealership Management System (and others), Sales CRM Software, Microsoft Office Products
  • Evening, holiday and weekend work hours will be required.
  • Must be able to provide references upon request

KPIs
  • Sales Effectiveness: Dealerships attain Manufacturer sales effectiveness targets annually
  • Fixed Operations: Dealerships actively managing towards 1:1 goal
  • Garff Mgmt. Meetings: 100% execution at Dealership level
  • Turnover: Less than 25% at Dealership level
  • Experience Surveys: "Likely to recommend" above 9.0 at Dealership level
  • CSI: Dealership above national average
  • Annual Budget: Attain net income and capital budgets
  • Company Yearly Goals: Dealership plans to achieve annual company goals
  • Culture & Brand Management: Dealership actively strengthens culture and management of the brand through companywide initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants must be 18 years or older and be authorized to work in the U.S., have a valid driver license and professional appearance.
COMPUTER SKILLS:
Reynolds Dealership Management System (and others), internet, CRM Software, Microsoft Office Products
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to lift up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The General Manager will stand and move throughout the dealership (lot, showroom, service department, offices, etc.). Evening, holiday and weekend work hours will be required.
NOTE:
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Company reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job and to require that additional or different tasks be performed as circumstances dictate.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
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